Page 33 of Wolves & Watercolors
“That reminds me, I need to start making lactation cookies for her,” she says nonchalantly.
My ears perk up. “What goes into those?”
“The herb fenugreek.”
I’ve heard of it, but I know I don’t have any in the garden. That prickles at me. “Why didn’t you have me grow any?”
“It uses the seeds. They wouldn’t have been ready in time. You can’t grow absolutely everything we ever need.” She means to comfort me, but it just makes me feel inadequate.
“I grow a lot of medicinal herbs for Sable,” I argue. “I can start some fenugreek now and you can switch from purchased seeds to our harvest as soon as they are ready.”
Mom places her hand over my wrist and squeezes. “Love, you can’t do everything for everyone. I’m sure Sable has a supply on hand already, otherwise it’s easy to order.”
“Let me know if I can help,” I murmur, trying to shake off the sting.
“You’re always helping. You’re the most selfless person I know. But I really think you should consider what you want. Maybe it’s time to move out and have some space for yourself.” She searches my eyes, and I frown at her.
It’s not the first time she’s suggested I move out since Onyx left last year. But since she and my father are often gone, it seems impractical. I don’t need my own cabin.
“Do you really want me out of the house?”
Tilting her head thoughtfully, she smiles at me. “I want you to have your own space where you can relax.”
That doesn’t sit well with me. “But what if you need me?”
“We got along just fine before we had you, and the same will be true when you leave someday. Besides, you’ll still be nearby. You’ll just have more privacy and peace and quiet.”
Her words soothe my building anxiety. All of my friends have left their family’s homes by now. But they all have mates. I’m happy waiting for that to happen before I leave home, but maybe I should reconsider.
“I’ll think about it.”
“Good. Have a good day, sweetheart,” she says, standing and heading to the hall.
“Bye, Mom.”
As I prepare to leave for my garden, I can’t help but think - where would I go? Slate’s old trailer stands empty, or I could get my own. I have plenty of savings, since my salary goes entirely into a savings account. The pack has grown and housing is scarce these days, but there are a few options.
Warm sunshine washes over me as I cross the patio and jog east to my garden. My heart settles as I pass through my archway and walk along the neat and tidy rows of happy plants. The earliest of the spring vegetables gleam on their stalks and herbs sprawl out of their pots. Companion flowers wink at me between the vegetables.
My heart jumps as a familiar figure materializes in the corner of the garden. Aurora sits cross legged against the same tree. The strawberry plants have overtaken the fence, little vines reaching for her. Her pink tongue sticks out slightly as she sketches.
My feet move toward her. I can’t help it. Something about her draws me in.
“Good morning, Cedar,” Aurora says, her smile small and shy, before she looks back down at her art.
I stand there, gawking like an idiot, until my brain starts processing again. There’s something I have to do today, andmaybe it’s the perfect opportunity to help her adjust to the chickens.
“So there was something I wanted to show you.”
“That’s never a good thing when a guy in L.A. says it,” she says without looking up from her notepad.
Frowning, I blink at her. “Um, okay. So you’re not interested?”
“No, I am. Just joking.” She spins the pencil over her fingers as she smiles up at me again. A beautiful pink flush stains her cheeks.
“Cool. Well, I’ve got to go get something. I’ll be right back.”
“Sure.”
